Chrysler Aspen Rolls Off Assembly LineChrysler Aspen Rolls Off Assembly Line

Chrysler Group this week begins production of the Aspen, the Chrysler brand’s first SUV.

The fullsize SUV shares a platform with the Dodge Durango.

The vehicle is assembled at Chrysler’s plant in Newark, DE. The Aspen production launch culminates a 24-month retooling effort that saw the auto maker invest $180 million in the site’s body and paint shop.

The Aspen is one of seven all-new vehicles Chrysler is launching in the year’s second half. The others are the Dodge Nitro midsize SUV, Dodge Chassis Cab, Chrysler Sebring midsize sedan, Jeep Patriot cross/utility vehicle and 4-door and 2-door versions of the Jeep Wrangler.